Healthy Habits

Brush and Floss Daily

Brushing and flossing your teeth is just as important for you as it is for your
grandchildren. Even though it may have been years since you’ve had a cavity,
your risk of cavities increases with age. One of the reasons is dry mouth—a
common side effect of many prescription medications.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Choose a toothbrush with
soft bristles and a small head to get to those hard to reach areas. Replace your
toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles becomes frayed.
If you have arthritis or other condition that limits movement, try an electric toothbrush.

Clean between teeth daily with floss. If floss is too difficult to work with, try
a floss pick or tiny brushes made specifically to clean between teeth.

Clean Dentures Daily

Bacteria stick to your teeth and also to full or partial dentures. If you wear dentures,
remember to clean them on a daily basis with cleaners made specifically for dentures.
Do not use toothpastes for natural teeth or household cleaners, which are too abrasive
and can damage dentures that can be expensive to replace.

Take your dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every 24 hours to keep
the lining of your mouth healthy. It’s best to remove your full or partial
dentures at night. Your dentist will provide you with instructions about how long
your dentures should be worn each day.

Visit a Dentist Regularly

The IDA recommends that you get regular dental checkups at least once a year . Please
do not wait until you have pain. As you age, the nerves inside your teeth become
smaller and less sensitive. By the time you feel pain from a cavity, it may be too
late and you may lose your tooth. There are also more serious conditions that your
dentist will look for, like oral cancer and gum disease, which do not always cause
pain until the advanced stages of the disease. By then, it’s more difficult
and costly to treat.

When you go to your dentist for a check-up bring the following information:

List of medications you are currently taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies,
and over- the-counter medications.

Information about your emergency contacts, someone who can help make decisions on
your behalf in the case of a medical emergency.

Dental insurance or Medicaid cards.

Your dentures or partials, even if you don’t wear them.

Be sure to talk with your dentist about how to properly secure and dispose of any
unused, unwanted or expired medications, especially if there are any children in
the household.

Quit Smoking

It’s never too late to quit smoking. Smoking increases problems with gum disease,
tooth decay and tooth loss. It also slows down healing after dental procedures and
can decrease the success rate of dental implants. Talk to your dentist about quitting.
There are tobacco cessation programs, over- the counter products and prescription
medications that your dentist may prescribe or recommend to help you quit for good.

Its never to late to start living a healthy life.Your life is a gift from God .Handle
it with care.